Variable length tool holder

ABSTRACT

A tool holder includes a main body defining a mounting end and a receiving end, the mounting end positioned opposite from the receiving end, the main body defining a main body bore extending into the receiving end toward the mounting end; an extension defining a tool head attached to a rod, the tool head defining a tool head end opposite from the rod, a tool holder length defined between the mounting end and the tool head end, the tool head configured to receive at least one cutting tool, the rod received within the main body bore; and a locking mechanism engaging the extension and the main body in a locked position, the locking mechanism being disengaged from either the main body or the extension in an unlocked position, the locking mechanism being selectively positionable about and between the locked position and the unlocked position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No.16/523,142, filed Jul. 26, 2019, which is incorporated in its entiretyby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to tool holders. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to a tool holder for a drilling and stopping machine.

BACKGROUND

Fluid systems, such as a municipal water distribution system, commonlycarry liquids or gases to customers through a network of pipelines ofvarying sizes. In order to facilitate new development, new lines andaccess points can be added to the existing pipeline networks. It isoften impractical to isolate, depressurize, and drain the existing linesbefore tapping the existing pipeline network because doing so maytemporarily cutoff service to downstream customers. Instead, drillingand stopping machines are used to drill into the pipelines while thepipelines are still pressurized and filled with fluids.

To add a new line to an existing line, a branched connection can beadded to the existing line. The branched connection can be a saddle orsimilar structure, which can form a seal and attach to the outside ofthe existing pipeline. The saddles can be clamped on, or in some caseswelded, to the outer surface of the existing line. The saddle can definean opening passage and a connection means, such as a threaded portion ofpipe or a flange. A valve can then be attached to the connection means,such as by screwing the valve onto the threading of the opening passageor bolting the valve to the flange of the opening passage. A drillingmachine can then be attached to the valve to form a sealed cavitybetween the drilling machine, the valve, and the opening passage.

The drilling machine can be equipped with a boring bar positioned withinthe sealed cavity. The boring bar can be attached to a tool holder,which in turn can receive cutting tools, such as shell cutters and pilotdrills. Once mounted and sealed with the valve, the drilling machine canadvance the tool holder and cutting tools through the valve bore whenthe valve is in the open position. The cutting tools can then penetratethe pipe wall of the existing pipeline so that the opening passage ofthe saddle can be connected in fluid communication with the bore of theexisting pipeline. At this time, fluids can enter the sealed cavityformed between the drilling machine, the valve, and the opening passageof the saddle.

The boring bar can be withdrawn through the valve, thereby retrievingthe tool holder and cutting tools from the valve bore. The cutting toolscan also retrieve the coupon cut from the existing pipe wall so that itis not left within the existing pipeline. With the boring bar withdrawn,the valve can be actuated to the closed position to seal the openingpassage of the saddle. The drilling machine can then be detached fromthe valve, and the new planned piping connection can be attached to thevalve to complete the new line or access point of the fluid system.

Depending on the diameter of the branched connection to be added, thecutting tools can vary in size. Large diameter shell cutters can oftenbe longer than small diameter shell cutters, and the varying length ofdifferent shell cutters can require tool holders of different lengths toaccommodate these shell cutters. An operator of the drilling machinemust ensure that he has the correct tool holder for that diameter shellcutter, and if not, the operator must change out the tool holder, whichtakes time and effort.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a tool holder comprising a main body defining a mountingend and a receiving end, the mounting end positioned opposite from thereceiving end, the main body defining a main body bore extending intothe receiving end toward the mounting end; an extension defining a toolhead attached to a rod, the tool head defining a tool head end oppositefrom the rod, a tool holder length defined between the mounting end andthe tool head end, the tool head configured to receive at least onecutting tool, the rod received within the main body bore; and a lockingmechanism engaging the extension and the main body in a locked position,the locking mechanism being disengaged from either the main body or theextension in an unlocked position, the locking mechanism beingselectively positionable about and between the locked position and theunlocked position, the tool holder length being adjustable with thelocking mechanism in the unlocked position, the tool holder length beingfixed with the locking mechanism in the locked position.

Also disclosed a method for adjusting a tool holder length of a toolholder, the method comprising selectively positioning a lockingmechanism in an unlocked position, the locking mechanism engaging eithera main body or an extension in the unlocked position; axiallyrepositioning the extension relative to the main body along a body axisto a first length configuration, the main body defining a mounting endand a receiving end, the main body defining a main body bore extendinginto the receiving end toward the mounting end, the main body boredefining the body axis, the extension defining a tool head attached to arod, the tool head defining a tool head end opposite from the rod, thetool holder length defined between the mounting end and the tool headend, the rod received within the main body bore; and selectivelyrepositioning the locking mechanism from the unlocked position to thelocked position to axially fix the extension to the main body relativeto the body axis.

Also disclosed is a tool holder comprising a main body defining a mainbody bore; an extension defining a tool head attached to a rod, the rodreceived within the main body bore, the main body and the extensiondefining a tool holder length; and a locking mechanism engaging theextension and the main body in a locked position, the locking mechanismbeing disengaged from either the main body or the extension in anunlocked position, the locking mechanism being selectively positionableabout and between the locked position and the unlocked position, thetool holder length being adjustable with the locking mechanism in theunlocked position, the tool holder length being fixed with the lockingmechanism in the locked position.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. Thefeatures and advantages of such implementations may be realized andobtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointedout in the appended claims. These and other features will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. The drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features andcomponents throughout the figures may be designated by matchingreference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool holder comprising a main body, anextension, and a locking mechanism in accordance with one aspect of thepresent disclosure, the tool holder shown in an intermediate lengthconfiguration.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tool holder of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder of FIG. 1 takenalong line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1 in a short length configuration.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder of FIG. 1 takenalong line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1 in a long length configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another aspect of the tool holdercomprising another aspect of each of the main body, the extension, andthe locking mechanism in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder of FIG. 5 takenalong line 6-6 shown in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the tool holder of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tool holder of FIG. 5 demonstratinga first step in setting a tool holder length of the tool holder.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tool holder of FIG. 5 demonstratinga second step in setting the tool holder length of the tool holder.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tool holder of FIG. 5 demonstratinga third step in setting the tool holder length of the tool holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed, that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed is a tool holder and associated methods, systems, devices, andvarious apparatus. The tool holder can comprise a main body, anextension, and a locking mechanism. It would be understood by one ofskill in the art that the disclosed tool holder is described in but afew exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology ordescription should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scopeof any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool holder 100 comprising a main body110, an extension 150, and a locking mechanism 180 in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure. The main body 110 can define amounting end 112 and a receiving end 114. The mounting end 112 can bepositioned opposite from the receiving end 114. In the present aspect,the main body 110 can be defined by an elongated rod, and can besubstantially cylindrical in shape.

The mounting end 112 can define mounting threading 116. In the presentaspect, the mounting threading 116 can be external threading; however,in other aspects, the mounting threading 116 can be internal threading.The mounting threading 116 can be configured to mount the tool holder100 to the boring bar (not shown) of a drilling machine (not shown).Adjacent to the mounting threading 116, the main body 110 can define amounting collar 118, which can define an outer diameter greater thanthat of the mounting threading 116. In the present aspect, the mountingcollar 118 can define a pair of parallel flats 120 a,b, which can beconfigured to engage a wrench (not shown). Using the wrench to engagethe parallel flats 120 a,b, the mounting threading 116 can be threadedlyengaged with the boring bar (not shown) and tightened to secure the toolholder 100 to the boring bar. When the mounting threading 116 isthreadedly engaged with the boring bar, the mounting threading 116 canengage threading (not shown) defined by the boring bar, which in thepresent aspect can be external threading.

The extension 150 can define a tool head 152 attached to a rod 154. Thetool head 152 can define a tool head end 156 positioned opposite fromthe rod 154. The tool head 152 can be configured to receive cuttingtools (not shown). For example, the tool head 152 can define tool headthreading 158, which can be configured to mount a cutting tool such as aprimary shell cutter (not shown). In the present aspect, the tool headthreading 158 can be external threading. The primary shell cutter can bea cylindrical cutting tool, which can be configured to cut asubstantially circular coupon out of a pipe wall (not shown).

The tool head 152 can also define a pilot bore 160. The pilot bore 160can extend into the tool head end 156 toward the rod 154. In the presentaspect, the pilot bore 160 can define internal pilot threading 162;however, in other aspects, the pilot bore 160 may not be threaded. Thepilot bore 160 can be configured to receive a cutting tool, such as apilot drill (not shown) or a pilot shell cutter (not shown), which canbe smaller in diameter than the primary shell cutter. The pilot drill orpilot shell cutter can be configured to cut into a pipe wall to hold acentered position while the primary shell cutter cuts a larger hole inthe pipe wall. The pilot drill or pilot shell cutter can prevent theprimary shell cutter from “walking,” or sliding across, on the outersurface of the pipe wall during cutting.

The tool head 152 can also define a pair of parallel flats 164 (only oneparallel flat 164 is shown), which are configured to engage a wrench(not shown). As is described in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 2 , the rod 154 can threadedly engage the main body 110, and thepair of parallel flats 164 can be engaged with the wrench to rotate theextension 150 relative to the main body 110. Depending on the directionof rotation, the extension 150 can be screwed inwards toward the mainbody 110 to reduce a tool holder length L (shown in FIG. 2 ) of the toolholder 100 or outwards and away from the main body 110 to increase thetool holder length L.

Returning to FIG. 1 , in the present aspect, the locking mechanism 180can comprise a jam nut 182. The rod 154 can define rod threading 166,and the jam nut 182 can define nut threading 282 (shown in FIG. 2 ). Inthe present aspect, the rod threading 166 can be external threading, andthe nut threading 282 can be internal threading. The nut threading 282of the jam nut 182 can threadedly engage the rod threading 166 of therod 154. In the present aspect, the locking mechanism 180 is shown in alocked position. In the locked position, the locking mechanism 180, inthis case the jam nut 182, engages both the main body 110 and theextension 150. The jam nut 182 can engage the main body 110 by beingtightened against the receiving end 114 of the main body 110. When thejam nut 182 is tightened against the receiving end 114 in the lockedposition, the extension 150 can be rotationally fixed to the main body110.

Because the extension 150 can threadedly engage the main body 110, byrotationally fixing the extension 150 to the main body 110, the toolholder length L of the tool holder 100 can be fixed while the lockingmechanism 180 is in the locked position. The tool holder length L cannotbe changed without selectively repositioning the locking mechanism 180,i.e., the jam nut 182, to an unlocked position (not shown) in whichthere is a gap between the jam nut 182 and the receiving end 114. In theunlocked position, the jam nut 182 only engages the rod 154 but not themain body 110. With a gap between the jam nut 182 and the receiving end114, the extension 150 can be freely rotated relative to the main body110 to increase or decrease the tool holder length L. In FIG. 1 , thetool holder 100 can be in an intermediate length configuration of thetool holder length L, which is described below in greater detail withrespect to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the tool holder 100 of FIG. 1 . The mainbody 110 can define a main body bore 210. The main body bore 210 canextend into the receiving end 114 of the main body 110 toward themounting end 112. The main body bore 210 can define body threading 212.In the present aspect, the body threading 212 can be internal threading.The main body bore 210 can define a body axis 201. The tool holderlength L can be defined along the body axis 201 between the tool headend 156 of the extension 150 and the mounting end 112 of the main body110. Due to the threaded engagement of the rod 154 with the main bodybore 210, rotation of the extension 150 relative to the main body 110can result in translation of the extension 150 along the body axis 201relative to the main body 110.

The main body 110 can define an outer surface 216, which in the presentaspect can be substantially cylindrical. The main body 110 can define aplurality of witness holes 214 a,b,c,d (witness holes 214 c,d shown inFIG. 3 ), which can extend from the outer surface 216 to the main bodybore 210. The rod 154 of the extension 150 can define a rod end 250opposite from the tool head 152. To assemble the tool holder 100, therod threading 166 of the rod 154 can be threadedly engaged first withthe nut threading 282 of the jam nut 182 and then with the bodythreading 212 of the main body bore 210.

The witness holes 214 a,b,c,d can be configured to repeatably achievedifferent length configurations for the tool holder length L. Asdescribed above, the tool holder 100 is shown in the intermediate lengthconfiguration for the tool holder length L in FIG. 1 . To achieve theintermediate length configuration, the extension 150 can be screwed intothe main body 110 until the rod end 250 can be viewed through witnesshole 214 a or witness hole 214 c (shown in FIG. 3 ). With the rod end250 visible through witness hole 214 a,c, the locking mechanism 180,i.e. jam nut 182, can then be placed in the locked position bytightening the jam nut 182 against the receiving end 114 to secure thetool holder length L in the intermediate length configuration. To extendthe tool holder 100 to a long length configuration (as shown in FIG. 4 )of the tool holder length L, the jam nut 182 can be loosened to theunlocked position wherein the jam nut 182 does not contact the receivingend 114. The extension 150 can then be rotated relative to the main body110 until the rod end 250 can be viewed through witness hole 214 b orwitness hole 214 d (shown in FIG. 3 ). With the rod end 250 visiblethrough one of the second witness holes 214 b,d, the jam nut 182 can berepositioned to the locked position by tightening the jam nut 182against the receiving end 114 to secure the tool holder 100 in the longlength configuration of the tool holder length L.

Another possible technique for setting the tool holder length L is toinsert a tool (not shown) through one of the witness holes 214 a,b,c,dor an opposing pair of witness holes 214 a,c or 214 b,d and then screwthe extension 150 into the main body 110 until the rod end 250 contactsthe tool. For example, a nail, pin, bolt, screw, screwdriver, Allenwrench, or similar tool could be inserted through the witness hole 214a,b,c,d until contacted by the rod end 250. By doing so, the extension150 can be prevented from screwing further into the main body 110 whenthe jam nut 182 is tightened in the locked position. In such instances,the tool can provide a positive stop for the rod end 250.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder 100 of FIG. 1 takenalong line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1 , with the tool holder 100 shown in ashort length configuration of the tool holder length L. In the shortlength configuration, the locking mechanism 180, jam nut 182, can engageboth the receiving end 114 of the main body 110 and the tool head 152 ofthe extension 150. The tool head 152 can define a tool head shoulder352, which steps down from the tool head 152 to the rod 154. In theshort length configuration, the tool head shoulder 352 can be tightenedagainst the jam nut 182. The short length configuration can be theshortest possible value for the tool holder length L in this aspect. Asshown, the rod end 250 may not align with any of the witness holes 214a,b,c,d in the short length configuration of the tool holder length L.

In the present aspect, the main body bore 210 can extend from themounting end 112 to the receiving end 114 of the main body 110. In otheraspects, the main body bore 210 may not extend through the mounting end112. In the present aspect, the body threading 212 does not extend allof the length of the main body bore 210 from the receiving end 114 tothe mounting end 112. Instead, a counter-bored portion 312 of the mainbody bore 210 can be defined between the mounting end 112 and the bodythreading 212. The counter-bored portion 312 can define a diameter largeenough to not threadedly engage the rod threading 166 of the rod 154. Inother aspects, the body threading 212 may extend the full length of themain body bore 210.

The intermediate length configuration, the long length configuration,and the short length configuration of the tool holder length L can eachcorrespond to different size cutting tools (not shown). Any of theabove-mentioned length configurations can be a first lengthconfiguration or a second length configuration. As previously discussed,the tool head 152 can be configured to receive shell cutters ofdifferent sizes. In the present aspect, the tool holder 100 can becompatible with 4″, 6″, and 8″ diameter shell cutters, for example andwithout limitation. In other aspects, the tool holder 100 can becompatible with different sizes of shell cutters or a greater or smallerrange of shell cutter diameters.

For the same drilling and stopping equipment setup (same machineadapter, gate valve, sleeve, etc.), commonly available shell cuttersgenerally increase in length as the diameter of the shell cutterincreases in size. For example, an 8″ diameter shell cutter generally islonger than a 6″ diameter shell cutter, which is longer than a 4″diameter shell cutter. The different short, intermediate, and longlength configurations of the tool holder length L can correspond toshell cutters of different lengths. As shown in FIG. 3 , the shortlength configuration for the tool holder length L can be the shortestlength configuration of the tool holder length L. For this particularaspect of the tool holder and given the same drilling and stoppingequipment setup, the short length configuration can correspond to the 8″diameter shell cutter, which is the largest and longest shell cutter forwhich this aspect of the tool holder is designed. The intermediatelength configuration of the tool holder length L, shown in FIG. 1 , cancorrespond to the 6″ diameter shell cutter. The long lengthconfiguration of the tool holder length L, shown in FIG. 4 , which isthe longest length configuration of the tool holder length L for thisaspect, can correspond to the 4″ diameter shell cutter, which is thesmallest and shortest shell cutter size for this particular aspect ofthe tool holder 100. Changing components of the drilling and stoppingequipment setup can affect these relationships. For example, if going toa larger shell cutter size requires using a larger gate valve in thedrilling and stopping equipment setup, the larger shell cutter mayrequire a longer tool holder length because the cutting travel distancemay increase due to the longer bore length of the larger valve size.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder 100 of FIG. 1 takenalong line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1 . In the aspect shown, the tool holder100 is configured at the long length configuration of the tool holderlength L, which is the longest overall length for this particular aspectof the tool holder 100. In this configuration, the rod end 250 of therod 154 can be aligned with the witness holes 214 b,d, and the lockingmechanism 180 can then be placed in the locked position, as shown. Asshown, the witness holes 214 a,c and 214 b,d can be aligned as pairs onopposite sides of the main body 110. In other aspects, the main body 110can define greater or fewer pairs of witness holes 214 a,b,c,d, whichcan correspond to greater or fewer length configurations of the toolholder length L than shown. In aspects with a greater number of witnessholes 214, the tool holder 100 can define multiple intermediate lengthconfigurations (between the short length configuration and the longlength configuration) of varying lengths of the tool holder length L. Inother aspects, the witness holes 214 a,b,c,d, may not be arranged asaligned pairs, but may instead be staggered on opposite sides orcircumferentially about the main body 110.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another aspect of the tool holder 500 inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. The toolholder 500 can comprise another aspect of the main body 510, anotheraspect of the extension 550, and another aspect of the locking mechanism580, each in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.In the present aspect, the main body 510 can be substantially similar tothe main body 110 of FIG. 1 ; however, the outer surface 216 of the mainbody 510 can define guide structures 516 a,b. In the present aspect, theguide structures 516 a,b can be a pair of raised guide rails 518 a,b. Inother aspects, the guide structures 516 a,b can be a different type ofstructure, such as grooves cut into the main body 510, for example andwithout limitation. The guide structures 516 a,b can extend along themain body 510 at least partially between the mounting end 112 and thereceiving end 114 (shown in FIG. 6 ). The guide structures 516 a,b canbe oriented substantially parallel to the body axis 201.

In the present aspect, the extension 550 can be substantially similar tothe extension 150 of FIG. 1 ; however, the extension 550 can define apair of locking notches 552 a,b (locking notch 552 b shown in FIG. 7 ).The locking notches 552 a,b can extend into the tool head shoulder 352(shown in FIG. 7 ) toward the tool head end 156.

The locking mechanism 580 can comprise a locking sleeve 582 and a sleeveretention device 584. The locking sleeve 582 can fit over the main body510, and the locking sleeve 582 can ride along the guide structures 516a,b, such as the guide rails 518 a,b. The locking sleeve 582 can definea locking end 590 facing the tool head 152 and a body end 592 facing themounting collar 118. The body end 592 can be disposed opposite from thelocking end 590. The guide structures 516 a,b can rotationally fix thelocking sleeve 582 to the main body 510 about the body axis 201;however, the locking sleeve 582 can be axially movable along the bodyaxis 201 relative to the main body 510 when the sleeve retention device584 is not active or in place.

The locking mechanism 580 is shown in the locked position in the presentaspect. The locking sleeve 582 can define a pair of locking lugs 588 a,b(locking lug 588 b shown in FIG. 7 ) extending outwards from the lockingend 590. In the locked position, the locking sleeve 582 can axiallyslide towards the tool head 152 so that the locking lugs 588 a,b canengage the locking notches 552 a,b. As previously discussed, the lockingsleeve 582 can be rotationally fixed relative to the main body 510, andengagement between the locking lugs 588 a,b and the locking notches 552a,b can rotationally fix the locking sleeve 582 to the extension 550about the body axis 201. Therefore, in the locked position, the mainbody 510, the locking sleeve 582, and the extension 550 can all berotationally fixed relative to one another about the body axis 201.Because the extension 550 can threadedly engage the main body 510,rotationally fixing the extension 550 to the main body 510 can alsoaxially fix the extension 550 to the main body 510 along the body axis201, thereby setting or fixing in place the tool holder length L whilethe locking sleeve 582 is in the locked position.

The locking mechanism 580 can be placed in the unlocked position byaxially sliding the locking sleeve 582 towards the mounting end 112 ofthe main body 510 until the locking lugs 588 a,b disengage from thelocking notches 552 a,b. In the unlocked position, the locking sleeve582 may only engage the main body 510. The sleeve retention device 584can resist axial motion of the locking sleeve 582 along the body axis201, such as movement about and between the locked and unlockedpositions. In the present aspect, the sleeve retention device 584 can bea plug 586 which can be inserted into a one of the witness holes 214a,b,c,d (witness holes 214 c,d shown in FIG. 6 ) to prevent the sleeveretention device 584 from sliding towards the mounting end 112 of themain body 510 through interference with the body end 592 of the lockingsleeve 582. In some aspects, the witness holes 214 a,b,c,d can bethreaded, and the plug 586 can threadedly engage the witness holes 214a,b,c,d. In such aspects, the plug 586 can be a bolt, screw, or othersimilar fastener. In other aspects, the plug 586 can frictionally engagethe witness holes 214 a,b,c,d such as if the plug 586 comprises aresilient material such as a rubber plug or a roll pin.

In other aspects, the witness holes 214 a,b,c,d could be fit with adifferent type of sleeve retention device 584, such as a captured springdetent mechanism comprising a ball or plunger configured to engage thebody end 592 of the locking sleeve 582. In some aspects, the sleeveretention device 584 can be mounted on the locking sleeve 582. Forexample, the sleeve retention device 584 could be a spring detent whichcan engage the witness holes 214 a,b,c,d or other similar depressions.In other aspects, the sleeve retention device 584 can be a biasingelement, such as a coil spring, which can be positioned around the mainbody 510 between the mounting collar 118 and the body end 592 of thelocking sleeve 582. The biasing element can bias the locking sleeve 582towards engagement with the tool head 152, and the biasing element canbe overcome by gripping the locking sleeve 582 and pulling it towardsthe mounting collar 118.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder 500 of FIG. 5 takenalong line 6-6 shown in FIG. 5 . The tool holder 500 is shown with thelocking mechanism 580 in the locked position. In this position, thelocking lugs 588 a,b can engage the locking notches 552 a,b (shown inFIG. 7 ) of the tool head 152, and the body end 592 can be positionedagainst the sleeve retention device 584, i.e. the plug 586. The lockingsleeve 582 can define a sleeve bore 682 extending through the lockingsleeve 582 from the body end 592 to the locking end 590. The sleeve bore682 can be coaxial to the body axis 201, and the sleeve bore 682 canreceive the main body 510 through the body end 592. In the lockedposition, the rod 154 can be fully enclosed within the main body bore210 and the sleeve bore 682, which can be desirable to protect the rodthreading 166 from damage, such as through mechanical impact.

In this aspect of the tool holder 500, the length configurations for thetool holder length L (shown in FIG. 5 ) may not be determined byaligning the rod end 250 with the witness holes 214 a,b,c,d. Instead,the length configurations may be determined based on the positioning ofthe sleeve retention device 584 and the body end 592 of the lockingsleeve 582 while achieving full engagement between the locking lugs 588a,b and the locking notches 552 a,b (shown in FIG. 7 ). This process isdescribed below in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 8-10 . In otheraspects, the rod end 250 can align with the witness holes 214 a,b,c,dfor each length configuration of the tool holder length L. In suchaspects, the sleeve retention device 584 may extend through opposingpairs of witness holes 214 a,c, 214 b,d.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the tool holder 500 of FIG. 5 . As shown,the locking notches 552 a,b can extend into the tool head shoulder 352and towards the tool head end 156. The locking notches 552 a,b canextend into the tool head shoulder 352 substantially parallel to thebody axis 201. The locking lugs 588 a,b can extend outward from thelocking end 590 of the locking sleeve 582 and away from the body end592. The locking lugs 588 a,b can extend axially outward from thelocking end 590 substantially parallel to the body axis 201.

The locking sleeve 582 can define a pair of guide structures 782 a,b,which can be complimentary to the guide structures 516 a,b of the mainbody 510. In the present aspect, the guide structures 516 a,b (guidestructure 516 b shown in FIG. 5 ) of the main body 510 can be guiderails 518 a,b, (guide rail 518 b shown in FIG. 5 ) and the guidestructures 782 a,b of the locking sleeve 582 can be guide grooves 784a,b shaped complimentary to the guide rails 518 a,b. In other aspect,the guide structures 782 a,b of the locking sleeve 582 can be rails orother protuberances, and the guide structures 516 a,b of the main body510 can be grooves shaped to receive the guide structures 782 a,b. Whenthe main body 510 is inserted into the sleeve bore 682 of the lockingsleeve 582, the guide rails 518 a,b can be received within the guidegrooves 784 a,b, and the locking sleeve 582 can be rotationally fixed tothe main body 510 about the body axis 201. The guide grooves 784 a,b canride on the guide rails 518 a,b as the locking sleeve 582 translatesalong the body axis 201 relative to the main body 510.

FIGS. 8-10 show the steps of adjusting the tool holder 500 to a lengthconfiguration for the tool holder length L (shown in FIG. 10 ) from aperspective view. As shown in FIG. 8 , the sleeve retention device 584can be removed or disengaged, depending upon the aspect. In the aspectshown, the plug 586 can be removed from the witness holes 214 a,b,c,d(shown in FIG. 6 ). The locking sleeve 582 can then be axially slidalong the main body 510 relative to the body axis 201 until the body end592 of the locking sleeve contacts the mounting collar 118. This viewdemonstrates an initial contact position for the locking sleeve 582 whensetting the tool holder 500 to a length configuration corresponding towitness hole 214 a, as further described below. In the initial contactposition associated with witness hole 214 a, the locking sleeve 582 cancover witness hole 214 a.

With the locking lugs 588 a,b disengaged from the locking notches 552a,b (552 b shown in FIG. 7 ), the locking mechanism 580 is in theunlocked position, wherein in this aspect, the locking mechanism 580 mayonly engage with the main body 510. In the unlocked position, theextension 550 can be free to rotate about the body axis 201 relative tothe main body 510. The extension 550 can be rotated relative to the mainbody 510 to the position shown in FIG. 9 where the tool head 152 canmake initial contact with the locking lugs 588 a,b while the lockingsleeve 582 is in the initial contact position. Depending on therotational timing of the rod threading 166 (shown in FIG. 6 ) and thebody threading 212 (shown in FIG. 6 ) relative to one another, thelocking lugs 588 a,b will either contact the tool head shoulder 352 orbegin initial engagement with the locking notches 552 a,b once theextension 550 is rotated as far inward as possible. Either condition canprevent further inward rotation of the extension 550 relative to themain body 510.

After initial contact between the locking lugs 588 a,b and the tool head152, then the locking lugs 588 a,b and the locking notches 552 a,b canbe aligned, if they are not already aligned. If the timing of the rodthreading 166 and body threading 212 caused the locking lugs 588 a,b toinitially engage the locking notches 552 a,b, then the locking lugs 588a,b and the locking notches 552 a,b are already aligned. If the lockinglugs 588 a,b contacted the tool head shoulder 352 rather than engagingthe locking notches 552 a,b, the extension 550 can be backed out afraction of a rotation until the locking lugs 588 a,b align with thelocking notches 552 a,b. Once the locking lugs 588 a,b and lockingnotches 552 a,b are aligned, the locking sleeve 582 can be axiallytranslated from the initial contact position toward the tool head 152until the locking lugs 588 a,b are fully engaged with the lockingnotches 552 a,b in the locked position, as shown in FIG. 10 . Eitherlocking lug 588 a,b (588 b shown in FIG. 7 ) can engage either lockingnotch 552 a,b (552 b shown in FIG. 7 ) in the present aspect. Axiallytranslating the locking sleeve 582 towards the tool head 152 can revealthe witness hole 214 a. With the witness hole 214 a revealed, the sleeveretention device 584, for example, the plug 586 in this aspect, can beengaged with the witness hole 214 a to secure the locking sleeve 582 inthe locked position.

When setting the tool holder length L based on the witness hole 214 a,the mounting collar 118 can provide a convenient physical stop for theinitial contact position of the locking sleeve 582. When setting thetool holder length L based on the witness hole 214 b (shown in FIG. 7 )as shown by the configuration of FIG. 5 , there may not be a physicalstop for the body end 592 of the locking sleeve 582 to contact in theassociated initial contact position for witness hole 214 b. Instead,indicia may be provided on the main body 510, such as a circumferentialline (not shown) positioned between the witness holes 214 a,b, toidentify the initial contact position. In such an aspect, the body end592 of the locking sleeve 582 can be aligned with the indicia while theextension 550 is screwed inward until the tool head 152 makes initialcontact with the locking lugs 588 a,b (588 b shown in FIG. 7 ). Thelocking notches 552 a,b (552 b shown in FIG. 7 ) can then be alignedwith the locking lugs 588 a,b per the procedure described above, and thelocking sleeve 582 can be translated toward the tool head 152 to revealwitness hole 214 b. The sleeve retention device 584 can then be engagedwith the witness hole 214 b to secure the locking sleeve 582 in thelocked position.

In other aspects, the length of the rod 154 (shown in FIG. 6 ) can bedesigned to align the rod end 250 (shown in FIG. 6 ) with the witnessholes 214 a,b,c,d, when setting the tool holder length L to each of thedifferent length configurations. In such aspects, the locking sleeve 582can define witness holes (not shown) or a viewing port (not shown) toallow a user to see through the locking sleeve 582 when verifying thatthe rod end 250 is aligned with one of the witness holes 214 a,b,c,d.

In aspects wherein the sleeve retention device 584 comprises a springdetent, a plurality of notches (not shown) may be defined by either orboth of the main body 510 and the locking sleeve 582. These notches cancorrespond to the locking positions and the associated initial contactpositions for each length configuration of the tool holder length L.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method for adjusting a tool holder lengthof a tool holder, the method comprising: selectively positioning alocking mechanism in an unlocked position, the locking mechanismengaging either a main body or an extension in the unlocked position;axially repositioning the extension relative to the main body along abody axis to a first length configuration, the main body defining amounting end and a receiving end, the main body defining a main bodybore extending into the receiving end toward the mounting end, the mainbody bore defining the body axis, the extension defining a tool headattached to a rod, the tool head defining a tool head end opposite fromthe rod, the tool holder length defined between the mounting end and thetool head end, the rod received within the main body bore; andselectively repositioning the locking mechanism from the unlockedposition to a locked position to axially fix the extension to the mainbody relative to the body axis.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein:selectively positioning the locking mechanism in the unlocked positioncomprises creating a gap between a jam nut of the locking mechanism andthe receiving end, the jam nut threadedly engaging the rod, the rodthreadedly engaging the body bore; and selectively repositioning thelocking mechanism from the unlocked position to the locked positioncomprises tightening the jam nut against the receiving end.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein axially repositioning the extension relativeto the main body along the body axis to the first length configurationcomprises aligning a rod end of the rod with a witness hole of the mainbody, the witness hole extending through the main body from an outersurface of the main body to the main body bore.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein selectively positioning the locking mechanism in the unlockedposition comprises disengaging a locking lug from a locking notch, thelocking lug defined by a locking sleeve of the locking mechanism, thelocking notch defined by the tool head.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein selectively positioning the locking mechanism in the unlockedposition further comprises axially translating the locking sleeve overthe main body relative to the body axis.
 6. A method for adjusting alength of a tool holder, the method comprising: unlocking a lockingmechanism into an unlocked position where the locking mechanism engageseither a main body or an extension in the unlocked position; sliding theextension axially along a body axis of the main body to a length; andlocking the locking mechanism by unlocking the locking mechanism fromthe unlocked position to a locked position where the locking mechanismengages the main body and the extension to axially fix the extension tothe main body relative to the body axis.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein: unlocking the locking mechanism in the unlocked positioncomprises creating a gap between a jam nut of the locking mechanism anda receiving end of the main body, the jam nut threadedly engaging a rodof the extension, the rod threadedly engaging a body bore of the mainbody; and locking the locking mechanism from the unlocked position tothe locked position comprises tightening the jam nut against thereceiving end.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein sliding the extensionaxially along the body axis of the main body to the length comprisesaligning a rod end of a rod of the extension with a witness hole in themain body, the witness hole extending through the main body from anouter surface of the main body to a main body bore of the main body. 9.The method of claim 6, wherein unlocking the locking mechanism in theunlocked position comprises disengaging a locking lug of the lockingmechanism from a locking notch of a tool head, the locking lug definedby a locking sleeve of the locking mechanism.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein unlocking the locking mechanism in the unlocked position furthercomprises axially translating the locking sleeve over the main bodyrelative to the body axis.